As a usual attendee at the Japanese Grand Prix that takes place in Suzuka, Mie, Japan, this year was special since it was the beginning of the new regulations put in place by the FIA. While I will not go into details about the new regulations, it made the once impassable Suzuka Circuit for the cars in the DRS era now suddenly passable which meant on track action for the fans, even though many understood now its more about battery management.
Putting that aside, the Japanese Grand Prix had one of its highest attendance this time (because of the international fans) than it has over the course of its past few years. Which was amazing since Suzuka Circuit really went all out in having amazing bilingual signage to help international fans be informed and engaged while enjoying their time at the race.
Outside the obvious getting to Japan, hotel and transportation while you are there, attending the actual Japanese Grand Prix as general admission only costs about 150-190 USD, which is considered the cheapest in Asia. It gives you almost unlimited access from Thursday through Sunday to enjoy everything the circuit has to offer, from its theme park, staged driver talks all in English and then translated into Japanese (unless there is a Japanese driver then time to brush up on your skills), Thursday pit lane walks, and every day but Sunday better known as race day, you can sit anywhere you like too!
Japanese Formula One fans also go all out in the cosplay scene and are internationally well known as they are the number one fan base to see in the media when it comes to their local home race. The Chinese fans for the Chinese Grand Prix come in a close second place! You will see the most well engineer hats, amazing cosplay clothing showing off their favorite teams and/or drivers, and them engaging with fans attending the race. You would think you are at a motorsport convention almost!
Food at the race track/circuit showcases local food from Mie the prefecture that the Grand Prix occurs in. So you have stands all across the circuit, for extremely affordable prices (5 – 8USD) for international attendees to enjoy locally made Japanese food, and they also have local food trucks there as well! The majority of the food vendors do take AMEX or Apple Pay so you do not need to worry much about cash at all.
Now this is where you can get the best Formula One Japan only swag, which you will see only available here. They go all out in F1 Happis, Bows, and stuff toys usually, and if you do not buy those items Thursday or Friday they will sell out in seconds since they are unique only to the Japanese Grand Prix, and team sponsored. You will not find this kinda merchandise in any other Grand Prix globally.
At the circuit since it is sponsored by American Express, they do have some AMEX only activations, the nifty radios so you can hear the broadcast in English, and all the stands minus a very minor amount of food stands will accept your credit card. Which is super beneficial because you get more cool Japanese Grand Prix only merch!
I would recommend this race to anyone new and old in F1 the vibe here is one you cannot match anywhere else in the world I think. Only thing I would say is that public transportation could be better to get to the track, but if you can get a car hire I would recommend that more or a paid shuttle that is private outside the one the circuit offers because then that becomes a bit of a line con.
I hope you will enjoy the Japanese Grand Prix in the future one day!
